Principal Engineer - IR&D - Aerospace

Principal Engineer - IR&D - Aerospace Group Aerospace Group N. America Division Hydraulic Systems Division (HSD) Location: USA, KALAMAZOO, MI - ABEX NEW H

Job Family: Engineering Job Type: Regular Posted: Mar 13, 2026 Job ID: 63321 Back to Search Results

Job Description Apply Now > Save Job Job Saved

At Parker Aerospace, we develop technologies and innovative solutions that enable reliable, efficient, and increasingly sustainable flight for the lifecycle of the aircraft, including aftermarket support. Our passionate people, with deep engineering expertise, together with our breadth of differentiated technologies, ensure that we make the extraordinary happen and continue to shape the future of aviation in partnership with our customers.

As a member of our team, you are instrumental in fulfilling our mission: Enabling Engineering Breakthroughs that Lead to a Better Tomorrow. Pursuing a career at Parker presents unlimited opportunities for both professional and personal development. Working with some of the most brilliant minds in the industry, your contributions will be pivotal in developing innovative technologies and products, significantly contributing to Parkers goal of addressing the worlds most pressing engineering challenges. At Parker, our team members belong, matter, and make a difference.

Position Summary Researches and carries out complex or innovative engineering assignments requiring the development of new or improved methods, techniques, and procedures. Contributes to and has responsibility for the completion of significant or critical assignments with broad product technology, customer, and strategic business impact.

Scope and Supervision

• Has Direct Reports: X
• Does Not Have Direct Reports

Essential Functions

1. Develops new or refined equipment, materials, processes, products, concepts, and/or scientific methods by applying advanced theories, concepts, principles, and processes for assigned area.
2. Evaluates costs, available resources, time limitations, company planning, and other technical and economic factors.
3. Provides expert technical information concerning manufacturing or processing techniques, materials properties, and process advantages and limitations, which affect long-range plant and product engineering planning by carefully analyzing and applying advanced engineering principles.
4. Communicates and coordinates with other technical resources to provide technical recommendations, lessons learned, methods for problem-solving, analysis methodology, etc., to maximize contribution to multiple projects or programs.
5. Makes technical proposals and presentations to various internal and external customer groups to influence business decisions.
6. Conducts analyses and/or tests pertaining to the development of new designs, methods, materials, equipment, or processes and completes required documentation by determining required actions, performing or directing completion of tasks, and publishing findings and/or results.
7. Compiles and analyzes operation test and research data to establish performance standards for newly designed or modified equipment or products.
8. Assesses the feasibility and soundness of proposed engineering evaluation tests, products, or equipment when necessary data are insufficient or confirmation by testing is advisable.
9. Investigates, researches, and operationalizes new technologies in specialty or related areas to improve cost and performance by applying advanced engineering design methods, theories, and research techniques.
10. Applies and leads continuous improvement initiatives through the development of new engineering technology, product development, analytic tools, and key production principles and techniques.
11. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending advanced-level educational workshops, reviewing technical and research publications, and/or participating in professional associations.
12. Complies with Parker policies and aerospace industry regulations. Consistently applies established engineering practices, standards, and documentation methods.
13. Plans and conducts complex special assignments generally involving the larger and more important projects or multiple projects. Reviews progress and evaluates results. Recommends major changes in procedures.
14. Establishes goals and objectives to carry out programs or functions by coordinating efforts within and across the divisions.
15. Acts as consultant to top management on significant issues. May provide technical leadership to others in integrated product development teams. Represents company on specific major projects.
16. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed. Work assignments may include cross-functional or project team responsibilities, e.g., continuous improvement.
17. Serves as technical subject expert and resource. Shares specialized knowledge with others and ensures knowledge transfer on technologies and products.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Bachelors degree (BS) in mechanical, aerospace, electronic, or systems engineering or a related technical discipline. MS preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of the job typically acquired through ten or more years of related experience.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Advanced knowledge of mechanical, electronic, and/or optics engineering principles, theories, concepts, techniques, industry practices, regulations, and policies.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and ability to lead and implement continuous improvement principles and techniques.
• Ability to use standard business applications software and specialized data analysis, design, and project management tools.
• Ability to apply comprehensive knowledge of other related engineering areas or from other technical experts to own area of expertise.
• Ability to plan and conduct complex assignments where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangible variables and/or incomplete data, understand problems from a broad long-term perspective.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex policies and recommend major changes to procedures.
• Ability to respond to significant inquiries or complaints from division leadership, external customers, other divisions, and top management on complex and critical matters.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in developing methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Ability to lead technology projects complex in scope and/or work of others.
• Ability to effectively mentor and develop emerging talent competencies by participating in goal setting, technical feedback, and problem-solving guidance.

Typical Mental and Physical Demands

• Regular on-site attendance is expected.
• The ability to work cooperatively and professionally with others and members of the public.
• The ability to manage multiple tasks at once.
• The employee is occasionally required to travel to visit customers and requires some overseas travel.

Benefits and Compensation

We offer a comprehensive and competitive total compensation package. Come join the Parker Aerospace Team. We are proud to offer competitive compensation, including participation in annual incentive programs and benefits designed with health, wealth, and well-being in mind. Our competitive package includes:

• Benefit & Retirement Plans
• Parker offers competitive benefit programs, including:
• Comprehensive coverage for medical, prescription drugs, dental, vision, voluntary optional life, accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, and critical illness insurance with competitive premium cost.
• 401(k) Plan with company matching contributions at 100% of the first 5% of pay.
• Company-provided defined-contribution retirement plan with annual contribution equal to 3% of pay.
• Career development and tuition reimbursement
• Other benefits, including paid parental leave, short and long-term disability programs, adoption assistance, a Care.com membership, and financial planning assistance, are provided at no cost to you.
• Supplemental benefit programs, including identity protection, legal protection, and pet wellness, are available at competitive rates.
• Paid Time Off and up to 15 Company-Paid Holidays.
• Parker Purpose Opportunities Social Responsibility
• Business Resource Groups promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Engagement activities celebrated throughout the year, including Internal Career Day, FYE Celebration, anniversary recognition events, employee appreciation week, veteran appreciation, and more.
• The Parker Foundation provides access to donation matching, disaster relief, charitable organization funding, and paid volunteer hours.
• Additional Benefits:
• Employee discounts on various services, car purchases, computer purchases, life adventures, etc.
• Employee Referral program - Refer a family member or friend and receive a generous award for referrals that are hired up to $4000.
• Dress for Your Day policy offering flexible work attire options.
• A free on-site 24-hour Fitness Center available to all active Team Members.
• Grab a bite to eat at the on-site cafeteria that provides a wide array of breakfast, lunch, and snacks. We also have vending machines available during scheduled breaks and lunch periods.

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

Parker is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Parker is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions. This position is subject to meeting U.S. export compliance and/or U.S Government contracting citizenship eligibility requirements.

Parker is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Parker is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. However, U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or other appropriate status is required for certain positions in accord with U.S. import & export regulations.

Minority, Female, Disability, Veteran, VEVRAA Federal Contractor

If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Employees & Job Applicants | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

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